21 Accused In Aquino`s Killing Give Up

September 18, 1986|The New York Times

MANILA, Philippines -- Two generals, 18 soldiers and a businessman charged in the 1983 killing of Benigno S. Aquino Jr. surrendered Wednesday, bringing to 23 the number of men taken into custody in the case.

Two other soldiers surrendered Tuesday, only hours after a judge issued an order for the arrest of 26 defendants in the trial in the killing of Aquino, who led the opposition to Ferdinand E. Marcos. Aquino`s widow, Corazon, became president after Marcos was ousted.

Last week the Supreme Court ruled that trial a ``sham,`` upholding the findings of a 3-member commission assigned to find out if the case was properly tried.

The commission said Marcos had interfered in the conduct of the trial, orchestrating the acquittal of the defendants, including his trusted aide and chief of staff, Gen. Fabian C. Ver.

Prosecutors said that Marcos, who is in exile in Hawaii, might also face charges, depending on what evidence there is against him.

Unless the former president returns here, however, he cannot be tried. Philippine laws do not allow trials in absentia.

The same holds true for Ver, who was charged as an accessory to the murder. Ver fled with Marcos to Hawaii in February.

Another defendant, an air force captain, is missing and is believed to be in the United States.